Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally very safe but rare side effects may include: pain or discomfort, minor bleeding or bruising at site of treatment, fainting, dizziness or drowsiness during treatment, worsening of symptoms for a short time (1-3 days) following treatment.

You have the right to stop treatment at any time during a session. Please tell or phone your practitioner if you have any concerns about your treatment.

In 2001, a UK survey of British Acupuncture Council practitioners recorded adverse events from acupuncture over a one month period (over 34,000 treatments), finding some ‘minor’, but no ‘serious’ adverse events. These included mild bruising of the skin, very slight bleeding on removal of needles, feeling nauseus, and feeling faint. Read the full article in the British Medical Journal.

What happens during a treatment session?

Your first treatment session involves finding out in detail, not only about the problem you are coming with, but also about many other aspects of your health and lifestyle. You will be questioned in detail about your symptoms, general health and medical history.

It’s important to tell your practitioner of any serious medical conditions you have (or have had in the past) or if you are trying to conceive or if you are pregnant as certain techniques and points may be avoided.

As part of the consultation, your pulse and tongue are examined. During an acupuncture session, you will normally lie down on a treatment couch. You may be asked to remove some parts of your clothing to access appropriate acupuncture points.

After the needles are inserted they may be gently manipulated to achieve the desired effect. Usually needling isn’t painful - occasionally they can feel sharp for a few seconds. Most people describe the sensation they feel as a ‘tingling’ or slight ‘dull ache’ feeling.

How many treatments will I need?

Although everyone responds differently to acupuncture, you will be given an estimate of how many treatments you may need at your first consultation. Treatment effects of acupuncture are cumulative. Generally, acute conditions respond faster within 4-6 sessions whilst recurring or chronic conditions that have lasted a longer time require more sessions.

Usually people have treatment once (or twice) a week to begin with. Appointments have longer intervals in-between them as you improve. Many people like to come for occasional ‘maintenance’ treatments (once every 4-6 weeks) to help reduce the chance of problems recurring in the future and because acupuncture gives them a sense of wellbeing.

For facial acupuncture, a course of 10-12 weekly treatments is recommended with improvement usually noticed after around 6 treatments. Occasional follow-up treatments can help to maintain the results.

Can I claim for acupuncture on my private health insurance?

Some private health care schemes allow you to claim for acupuncture treatment given by a British Acupuncture Council member. Here are some examples of private insurance companies that include acupuncture cover, but please check directly with your insurance provider to confirm up-to-date policy details.

Are acupuncturists regulated?

Acupuncture is currently going through a process of consultation in order to become regulated. This will bring acupuncture in line with other healthcare professions like osteopathy and chiropractic. When regulation happens, this will help to protect public confidence in the safety record of acupuncture. In 2006 Mike O’Farrell, British Acupuncture Council said: “Our hope is that after regulation…the decision makers will have increased awareness and confidence to offer acupuncture more widely.”